Kolkata Metro: Purple Line Extension to IIM Calcutta Approved; RVNL Set To Award Contracts For Construction Work

In a major development for Kolkata’s urban transport infrastructure, the Purple Line of the Kolkata Metro is set for expansion beyond Joka to reach the IIM Calcutta campus, reported Times of India.

The 1.7 kilometre extension, first proposed by Metro Railway a year ago, has now entered the tendering phase, with Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd (RVNL) preparing to award contracts for construction of a viaduct and an elevated station near the IIM-Calcutta premises.

Once completed, the Purple Line will stretch 18 km from IIM-Joka to Eden Gardens, integrating key locations across the city and enhancing the reach of the Esplanade Metro hub, which will serve as a vital interchange with both the North-South and East-West Metro corridors.

The proposed IIM-Calcutta station will be located approximately 100 metres past the institute’s campus on Diamond Harbour Road (DH Road).

Located nearly 20 km from Howrah, 18 km from Sealdah, and 35 km from the airport, the IIM-Calcutta campus currently faces limited public transit options. The Purple Line’s extension is expected to significantly improve access.

The northern stretch of the Purple Line has already been extended 1.6 km from Esplanade to Eden Gardens, reinforcing its strategic importance in Kolkata’s growing Metro network.

“Now it's an 18 km corridor with 14 stations, aligned parallel to the North-South corridor,” an official was quoted as saying by ToI.

Provision has also been made for future extensions, though officials clarified such plans would depend on feasibility studies and funding availability.

The railway ministry has already approved the Detailed Project Report (DPR) and authorised RVNL to proceed with the tendering process.

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